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East County | Neighbors

Jetson Grimes
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 28, 2026
Voices of America: What's your favorite American tradition?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we explore how we celebrate.

  • Spirit of America
Kristin Hokanson, co-owner of Fiorelli Winery and mom of Jackson and Madison, says the Red, White and Blueberry Celebration is bigger and better every year and is great way to come together as a community.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 27, 2026
Fiorelli Winery hosts foot-stomping music

The sixth annual Red, White and Blueberry Celebration included two live bands.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Arlene Merriman
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 27, 2026
Voices of America: What do you think you have in common with someone living in this country 250 years ago?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we explore how we compare to those before us.

  • Spirit of America
Sisterhood for Good's Glo Reber presents Harbor58's Ari Gibbons and Annie Wilson a grant for $7,500 to go towards a mentoring program for foster kids.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 26, 2026
Another monster year for Sisterhood for Good, which awards 29 grants worth $150,095

The Lakewood Ranch nonprofit has awarded $772,522 in grants since 2011.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
MJ Price
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 26, 2026
Voices of America: How do you reflect your patriotism?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of our country's 250th birthday, we explore the idea of modern-day patriotism.

  • Spirit of America
Bill Schey is a Marine Corps veteran and a board member for the Folds of Honor Southwest Florida and Chicago chapters (with his wife, Connie Schey).
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 25, 2026
Voices of America: What is a patriot today?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we explore the idea of modern-day patriotism.

  • Spirit of America
Dan Bue, a U.S. Navy veteran, is both a client and a team member at Operation Warrior Resolution.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 24, 2026
Manatee nonprofit shortens path to wellness for veterans

Operation Warrior Resolution offers brain-based healing to help veterans deal with past trauma.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Scarlett and Amelia Evancic express art through various mediums, including pencil, paint, photography, digital art, cardboard and more.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 23, 2026
When it comes to art, these sisters know where to draw the line

Scarlett and Amelia Evancic share a common passion for art but what role it plays in their future has yet to be decided.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sydney McCullough takes mom, Belle, and 2-week-old foal, Nezuko, for a walk Wednesday at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions in Myakka City.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 23, 2026
New foal brings joy to Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions

"Nezuko" joins the all-star lineup in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sienna Linn, a rising first grader at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy, says she has no pets at home but has had a blast with her dog, Mia, at the Little Vet School camp.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 20, 2026
Little Vet School teaches skills at The Out-of-Door Academy's summer camp

The program, one of Little Medical School Suncoast's camps, teaches students how to safely care for dogs and cats.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Eadon Foster, a rising fourth grader at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary, and Zion Stenzler, a rising fifth grader at Rowlett Elementary Academy, each use microscopes to look at a goldfish scale, dandelion fuzz, pollen, and more.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 19, 2026
Mad Scientist Adventures Camp presents students with scientific challenges

The summer camp at Braden River Middle School is run by teachers with themed activities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Attendees were impressed by the fireworks across Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 19, 2026
Fourth of July 2026 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch

From parades to the classic fireworks, check out these events to help you celebrate Independence Day right.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Audubon Society members say doves aren't the smartest birds when it comes to choosing a place to build a nest.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 17, 2026
Couple hatches plan to protect doves that nested in front door wreath

A River Club couple will keep people away from their front door so a dove family can raise babies.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jim Emanuelson is the president of Lakewood Ranch CERT, and John McInally is the responder liaison.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 10, 2026
Lakewood Ranch nonprofit quick to respond in an emergency

CERT members aren't first responders, but they can offer valuable aid before help arrives.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Isabella Cz, a rising sixth grader at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, and Skylar Flandreau, a rising sixth grader at Martha B. King Middle School, take turns playing the ukulele during the Manatee Arts Education Council smARTen Up Camp.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 4, 2026
Smarten Up Camp gives Manatee County students advanced arts opportunities

Over four days, the Manatee Arts Education Council hosted students who are gifted in the arts.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 »
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Latest in East County

1
Work has either started or will begin soon on four roundabouts on University Parkway, east of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. University Parkway also is being widened from Lorraine Road to Bourneside Boulevard.
  • July 8, 2026
Necessary construction will snarl University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch
2
FoodTrukt, a new app, aims to bring together food truck owners and customers through making locations, schedules and menus more accessible.
  • July 8, 2026
Find nearby food trucks with new app
3
Deborah Callahan-Stratton, Joy Stone, Barbara Najmy and Jennifer Alokeh are collecting sneakers for the fifth annual Sneakin Back to School Sneaker Drive to benefit The Twig.
  • July 8, 2026
The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle transitions to a nonprofit
4
Avery Banfill (left) and Phoenix Scanlan (right) grew up on the same junior golf circuit. Their respective journeys converged at Parrish Community High and will converge once again at Memphis next fall.
  • July 8, 2026
Stars align for local golfers who are headed for the University of Memphis
5
The Manatee County Property Appraiser is located at 915 4th Ave. W. in downtown Bradenton.
  • July 8, 2026
How your home is appraised in Manatee County

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